Singapore is a fabulous destination to visit, and if you haven’t been to Asia before, an easy introduction.
I (Josie) have visited many times in the past, have a family member who lives there, write about it extensively on my website and run a Singapore destination Facebook group.
And since it’s a convenient stopover location, almost all our Australian and New Zealander travellers have more than likely spent at least a short amount of time there too.
If Singapore is all new to you, this section will help you to plan your trip, for the convention and any sightseeing days you want to include.
Some of the sections will include all the information here, others will link to their own pages, because there’s just too much to include here.
Getting There
Nearest Airport
Singapore’s main international airport is Singapore Changi Airport, one of the busiest and easiest airports in Asia to navigate.
Travel Time from the Airport
The convention venue, Crossings Cafe on Waterloo Street, is located in central Singapore near Bugis and Bencoolen.
By taxi or private hire, the journey from Changi Airport usually takes around 20–25 minutes depending on traffic.
Using the MRT (train system), the trip generally takes around 40–45 minutes. The closest MRT station to the venue is Bencoolen Station on the Downtown Line, with Bugis and Bras Basah stations also within walking distance.
Public Transport Basics
Singapore has an excellent public transport system with MRT trains and buses covering most of the city. The MRT is clean, safe, air-conditioned and easy to use, even for first-time visitors.
Visitors can pay for public transport using contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or an EZ-Link transport card.
(Then link to your more detailed Singapore essentials page.)
Visa & Entry Information
All attendees are responsible for checking their own visa and entry requirements for Singapore before travelling.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so please ensure you confirm the latest information well in advance of your trip.
Having said that, for most people attending holding passports from Europe, Australia, UK, NZ, USA, your entry will be visa-free.
Official information can be found on the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website.
Travellers will also need to complete the Singapore Arrival Card online in the three days before arrival.
Please also check your passport validity carefully. Singapore generally requires passports to have at least six months validity remaining from your date of entry.
Money & Payments
- Currency
- Cards widely accepted
- Hawker centres may still prefer cash or local payment apps
- ATM availability
- Tipping culture (or lack of it)
Getting Around
This will probably be one of the most useful sections.
Include:
- MRT system overview
- Using contactless credit cards on public transport
- Taxis and Grab
- Walking in Singapore
- Airport transport options
Where to Stay
You mentioned accommodation will be separate, but you could still include:
- Brief overview of different areas
- What each area is good for
- Approximate travel times to convention venue
For example:
- Chinatown
- Bugis
- Marina Bay
- Orchard
- Little India
Food in Singapore
Singapore is a huge foodie destination – I often feel like all I do is eat when I visit, and I promise that is not a bad thing!
It’s really easy to get a cheap and delicious more, or splash out at a Michelin-starred restaurant – and everything in between.
I absolutely recommend hawker centres, but if you’re a bit hesitant, don’t worry, we can give you all the best hints and tips.
Start off over on our Food in Singapore page, written by our local member Felicia, which will give you the basics, including what to try and where, info for vegetarians, spice levels at late night eating, and of course, some etiquette.
For further info, you can head on over to my website and read about more food to try and the hawker centres I recommend, especially for first-time visitors.
Attractions & Experiences
A simple overview with links to more detail later if needed:
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Bay
- Haw Par Villa
- Sentosa
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Museums
- Neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Kampong Glam
Safety & Local Laws
Visitors often appreciate this.
You could mention:
- Singapore is very safe
- Strict laws
- Jaywalking and smoking rules
- Drugs laws
- General respect and cleanliness expectations
Connectivity
- SIM cards
- eSIMs
- Airport Wi-Fi
- Power plugs/adapters
Language & Culture
- English widely spoken
- Multicultural society
- Respectful behaviour in religious sites
- Queue culture
- Hawker centre tray return expectations
Suggested Length of Stay
This is very useful for convention attendees planning flights.
You could suggest:
- Minimum stay for convention only
- Recommended extra days
- Singapore as a base for other Asian destinations
Day Trips & Stopovers
You could inspire people to extend their travels:
- Johor Bahru
- Batam/Bintan
- Malacca
- Cruises
- Other Southeast Asia connections
Accessibility & Mobility
Very useful and often forgotten.
Include:
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Walking expectations
- Public transport accessibility
- Heat/humidity considerations
Communication
- WhatsApp/Facebook group links
- Official email contact
- How updates will be shared during the convention
What to Pack
A short version only:
- Lightweight clothing
- Umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Portable charger
- Reusable water bottle
(Then link to a fuller Singapore page later.)
Local Etiquette
A small section can be reassuring for first-timers:
- Singapore is very safe
- Respect local laws
- Air-conditioned venues can be cold indoors
- Hawker centre etiquette basics